Syllabus Checklist

Syllabus Checklist

The purpose of a syllabus is to clearly communicate the instructional road map for the entire course, including all assignments and requirements, how each student can be successful, and guidance on specific expectations and policies. After preparing and saving your Syllabus in Microsoft Word, use Word’s Save As option to create a PDF format of your Syllabus. You may then upload and distribute the PDF version to your students via BbLearn.

Clearly and completely establish the purpose, goals, and instructional focus of the course. Explain how this course fits into an overall program, and give a brief content overview.

Required Textbooks and Materials

Include computer software requirements, as well as recommended equipment,
aids, and materials.

Supplemental Reading Material

List Journal Articles, Bulletins, and other sources

Learning Outcomes

Learning outcomes need to define the measurable knowledge and skills that students will gain in the course. To follow best practices for developing learning outcomes, use the Course Objectives Builder tool to develop and fine-tune your course learning objectives.

Learning Activities / Assignments

Provide a range of student learning activities and evaluative methods appropriate for the goals of your course, such as quizzes, essays, take-home exams, writing, individual/group projects, discussions, etc.—each of which will measure aspects of the learning outcomes.

Expectations

Clearly outline the expectations you have of your students.

Example

You should spend, on average, at least 2-3 hours of study time textbook reading, reviewing class notes, etc. for each class credit hour.

Policies

Explain your policies for students, such as attendance, participation, late assignments, and make-up policies.

Grading

Explain grading criteria for all assignments and tests, including point values, extra credit, and letter grade equivalency.

Example

Course Work

Points

Percent of Final Grade

Homework (10 homework, 10 pts each)

100

10%

Quizzes (10 quizzes, 10 pts each)

100

10%

Labs (10 labs, 10 pts each)

100

10%

Mid-Term Paper (100 pts)

100

10%

Final Research Paper (300 pts)

300

30%

Exams (3 exams, 100 pts each)

300

30%

Extra Credit

20

TOTAL

1000

100%

Grades

Grade

Points

Percent

A

900-1000

90-100%

B

800-900

80-90%

C

700-800

70-80%

D

600-700

60-70%

F

>Below 600

< 60%

Discussions

Indicate you expect online discussions posts to be of high quality.

Reply with a substantive, compelling contribution. Back up your examples and opinions with convincing evidence or links to factual sources.

Make your posts thoughtful and well-written.

Respond to initial questions and also to other’s replies.

Academic Integrity

Explain that you expect students to adhere to the highest academic standards of honesty and integrity. At UI, we assume students will do their own work. Plagiarism—passing off someone else’s work as your own, without citing the source—should not be tolerated. This includes direct copying, rephrasing, and summarizing, as well as taking someone else’s idea and putting it in different words. Ask students to fully cite their sources—this is the best avenue for avoiding plagiarism issues.

Learning Civility

In any learning environment, it is essential that all members feel as free and safe as possible in their participation. Explain that it is expected that everyone in this course will treat each other with mutual respect and courtesy, with an understanding that all of us (students, instructors, professors, guests, and teaching assistants) will be respectful and civil to one another in discussion, in action, in teaching, and in learning. Should you feel class interactions do not reflect an environment of civility and respect, you are encouraged to contact your instructor to discuss your concern. Additional resources for expression of concern or requesting support include the Dean of Students office and staff (208-885-6757), the UI Counseling & Testing Center’s confidential services (208-885-6716), or the UI Office of Human Rights, Access, & Inclusion (208-885-4285).

Center for Disability Access and Resources (CDAR)

Reasonable accommodations are available for students who have documented temporary or permanent disabilities. All accommodations must be approved through the Center for Disability Access and Resources (CDAR) in order to notify your instructor(s) as soon as possible regarding accommodation(s) needed for the course.

The University of Idaho bans firearms from its property with only limited exceptions. One exception applies to persons who hold a valid Idaho enhanced concealed carry license, provided those firearms remain concealed at all times. If an enhanced concealed carry license holder’s firearm is displayed, other than in necessary self-defense, it is a violation of University policy. Please contact local law enforcement (call 911) to report firearms on University property.

University of Idaho leadership remains committed to maintaining a safe work, living and learning environment on campus. We will not tolerate any threatening use of firearms or any other weapons. While authorized license holders may have familiarity and be at ease carrying a loaded firearm, we ask that they be aware that many people are not familiar with handguns and are uncomfortable in their presence.

Help and Resources

Library Help

The library website has many databases that will help you find relevant and reliable books, articles, images, and more. Don’t hesitate to contact a librarian for research assistance.